COLUMBUS — The Columbus Duck Derby held May 18 was a quacky-good success providing entertainment for a cheering crowd at Beason’s Landing on the Colorado in Columbus. 3,000 rubber ducks were dropped from the bridge—all in unison— and floated to the finish line with a big boom containing the mass of yellow at the end of the derby.
Duck Derby volunteers met some challenges. One of them was positioning the boom across the Colorado River. It had to be there to not only determine winners but to make sure that no ducks escaped.
The river current surprised everyone and fought back as volunteers tried to anchor the boom on the sandbar. It was successful with the help of the Columbus Fire Department boat and the Game Wardens’ boat. Not one rubber duck escaped—all 3,000 finished the race for a close fin ish.
As the crowd cheered their duck to victory there was only one youngster that was disappointed. He yelled, “They’re fake ducks!” The crowd “quacked up” since this young child assumed “real, live” ducks were in the race. It was one of those “unforgettable” and hilarious moments of the derby.
The organizers recognized major sponsors, Drymalla Construction Co., AL&M, Baumgart Agency and Mark A. Chapman Foundation.
The success wouldn’t have been possible without the support from the entire community. Contributions, big and small, have made a significant difference.
The organizers expressed ther appreication to the leaders of the Duck Derby, Becca Edmonton and Mandi Kulhanek, who did a stupendous job in organizing this inaugural event.
Winners were Lindsi Gra- ham, $1,000 for first place, Kath leen Wick, $500 for second place and Tatum Moffett, $250 for third place.
